R&D update: Improving water and energy efficiency in nursery operations
19 September 2025
4 August 2025
Efficient irrigation is essential to the productivity, sustainability and profitability of Australian nurseries.
Recent system upgrades and scheduling trials demonstrate that modest improvements can significantly reduce water and energy use, while enhancing plant quality and operational flexibility.
Key findings from industry case studies and trials include:
- water use reductions of up to 2 megalitres (ML) per year through improved scheduling and layout;
- A 37% per hectare reduction in water use, even across expanded growing areas;
- profitability gains of up to $4,487 per ML of water applied
- efficient of Uniformity (CU) exceeding 85% and Scheduling Coefficient (SC) below 1.5 in optimised systems;
- energy savings of 11.8 MWh/year and cost savings of $3,068 following pump upgrades
Upgrades to variable frequency drive (VFD) pumps offer strong returns through reduced energy use, lower infrastructure wear, and greater control. Smart controllers, such as Netafim NMC Pro or Galcon units, allow growers to schedule irrigation based on real-time conditions, with flow meters and pressure sensors enabling early fault detection.
Techniques like pulse irrigation have improved container moisture uniformity and reduced crop stress during peak temperatures. Catch can testing and continuous monitoring ensure systems perform as intended, with monthly water usage records helping to identify and address inefficiencies.
Case in point: Aspley Nursery in Queensland achieved significant savings by upgrading to a 5.5kW VFD pump, replacing outdated lighting with LEDs, and adding a solar hot water system to reduce propagation heating costs.
For more information and support please:
- visit: www.greenlifeindustry.com.au/may-2025-nursery-paper
- contact your GIA Extension Officer: nurseryproductionfms.com.au/technical-providers
